The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1887-06-09

was not that Of beggar Although
triflc pale, it was the face of pretty
woman of thirty-fvc.
81 only wished to get warm" she
said. ~ was so cold that felt as If l
should freeze. / am sorry to disturb
you. I have friends in the town, and
am sure l can got employment of some
kind there. fused to live there years
and years ago."
BY means of few questions he learned
that she was q widow without any re-
lations in the world. He was deeply
touched by her story.
"What was your husbands namca"
asked Steele.
Garter" she said; George Carter"
"Wait here moment" he said, and
went up to his room.
He went to his desk and took out
some money. 81 so seldom give" said
he, "and can afford TO be liberal to this
poor woman" He took two ten-dollar
bills and started back 10 the kitchen.
'She said her name was Carter. Car.
tcr-Carterl Where have l heard
what Garter! My Godl That was
the namc of her husband. She said she
used to live here years ago. 1t must be
she. 1t is Kate Drew! 1t must be!'
Steele shook like leaf. He seemed
young again. He remembered her once
more as the sweet-faccd girl, and the
heart which had been slumbering so
long seemed to spring into new life.
He sat down on the stairs to compose
himself, and then started again for the
kitchen.
"William," said Steele, when he
entered, "herc is the key to my office. I
wish you would go there and bring mo
a packet you will find on my desk"
William fell in the trap without sus-
picion, and was off.
Steele seated himself in a dark corner
and looked at the woman. He could
see his old love in every feature of the
face. He was strangely excited and
knew not what to say.
"You say you lived here oncc" he
began.
eyes, when was a girl" she said.
"Aud bad fortune has overtakcn you
since. Perhaps you knew my cousin,
then, John Steelc2'
eyes" she said, II knew him. Is he
not here nowl'
"No, poor fellow" said Steele, feel
ing guilty as he spoke the words, Che is
dead"
"Dcadw and she leaned her head on
her hand and wept.
YES" said Steele feeling like mur-
dcrcr as he spoke, "but none who knew
him were sorry for it, lie had no good
in him, and lived a selfish lifc"
'Poor manl' said the sweet, sympa-
thizing tones. "At heart he was good. "
Something seemed to move Steele.
He got up and stood by her chair. His
hand, by accident touched her. II sent
a thrill through him that seemed to
make new being of him.
"Katic," he said, "don't you know
me-"
She looked up, started, stood cree:
and got a good look into his face.
"Johnp she said, in scared way,
and hid her face in her hands.
eyes, Katie" he said, "it is John.
l was thinking of you to-day, and it
seems as though heaven has sent you.''
''This is such shock to me-" and she
sat down again.
Stcele's heart was throbbing wildly,
and he quivered with excitement.
II am old, now Katie, and perhaps
awkward in my speech, but-I--I can't
help what ] am saying. You have nc
home, l am rich, and you are the only
| WOHlau eNeT IoNcu. lou dlC WclColile
to all l have. My life has been very
lonely. With you I would be happy.
You can't love me, know. after all this
tine. but do not ask that"
She arose as if to 90. Poor Steele's
heart seemed to be bursting. He un
consciously put forth his arms and
touched her. With sob she fell into
them and rested her head on his shoul.
der.
"Katicw he cried in joy.
"Oh, John, how can l speak7"
"Say something, Katie"
81 feel SO guilty. l thought 20,
would never forgive me But-but-b
l have"
''But what, Katie7"
ooh, John, you know l loved yor
then, and it was not my fault. l hav,
loved you all these long years. ! am Sc
happy, if you will but forgive me-"
"Forgive you! Don't speak Of that
again. You are homeless no longer,
Katie. ! know what love is at least
You are in my house now, and yor
shall never go out of it except as my
wife"
'tNo, John, not"
; "Yes, don't objec-. know it dom
sound well, but don't care for that
A preacher lives close. Won't you con
, sent"
, But"
"Please don't refuse, Katie"
'Well, l guess"
$ Just then William came in. Steel
) nearly ran over him. Hang the pa.
r persl" he said, as William offered then
to him.
G 'Here, William" he said as he cam
| down stairs putting on his overcoat
'tfix the front room and light fire